U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, left, and Staff Sgt. Alexis Lopez, right, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron water fuels systems journeymen, chain a water pump onto a trailer prior to transport at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Nov. 2, 2012. The 633rd CES team transported the equipment in support of Hurricane Sandy disaster relief in New York. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexis Lopez, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron water fuels systems journeyman, fastens equipment to a truck at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Nov 2, 2012. Members of the 633rd CES hauled water pumps, pipes and other necessary equipment to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., to assist the 331st Air Expeditionary Group in providing relief for those affected by Hurricane Sandy in New York. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron water fuels systems journeyman, secures a water pump for transport at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Nov. 2, 2012. The water pump is one of two supplied by the 633rd CES in response to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New York. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez/Released)
by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
11/7/2012 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., sent a team of eight members along with two water pumps and equipment for approximately 30-days to New York, Nov. 2, in support of Hurricane Sandy relief operations.
"In any emergency event were on call and always available 24/7," said Master Sgt. Charles VanPelt, 633rd Civil Engineer Operations Support superintendent.
In less than a 24-hr period, the Air Combat Command unit stood ready with personnel and equipment. The team of eight consists of two structural experts, an electrician, entomologist, heavy equipment operator and three water and fuel specialists. They transported the pumps to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and met with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group to travel to New York and help with recovery operations as needed.
"We bring all our assets and our Airmen fully equipped and ready to go," VanPelt said. "With the training we have, we are able to integrate with any unit to ensure the mission is a success."
The preparation of equipment and personnel is fundamental to making a successful journey to New York, or anywhere the team may be needed.
"It's very important that we can supply any location in order to fly, fight and win no matter what the mission," VanPelt said. "We make sure our team is fully functional and able. Whether it is a natural disaster such as this or our normal Air Force mission."
